Anita's Creature Comforts

04/01/2023

I love that they start out laughing and end up cheering!

Never give up!!!

04/01/2023

True story!

😜😜

(Happy April Fools!)

This is Pingo and Nina. They are believed to be the only Rainbow Dalmatians in the world. Approximately 25% of their spots are red, blue, or yellow, instead of black. Scientists are stumped, but one thing is certain: it would be an honor to pet them. 14/10 for both

03/31/2023

This was just a quick snap I took of Ginny on Wednesday. I had sat down to tie my shoe, and she took the opportunity to snuggle her octopus. It was so stinking cute, I took a picture to send to my partner.

Sadly, suddenly, her owners lost her this morning.

I am so full of gratitude that I got a chance to spend time with her. I’m grateful that she finally decided I was worthy of kisses, after offering her a treat, of course. I’m so happy I realized she wanted to end each walk with a romp. My long line made that happen, and I got to watch her run and bounce like the pup she so recently was.

Thanks for the smiles and strolls, Ginny. Rest well, sweet girl. ❤️

03/31/2023

So, today is my last day of dog walks.

It’s been a challenging week, emotionally and physically. I’ve been rocking a low grade fever for about 3 days and a nice bronchial cough (No COVID, thank goodness). It snowed. It’s pouring rain.

It feels like the universe is saying- hey, why not take one last chance to prove you can do this.

So, here I am, my last 8 walks, making it happen, like I always do.

I have spent my week saying goodbye to people and dogs that I love so much, and I’ve shed no small amount of tears. I’ve hugged people, and wished them well, as they wished the same for me. I have gotten cards, and wine and cookies and dog treats and more. My heart is very full.

You guys are the ones that always made days and weeks like this worth it. I’ll miss you all so very much.

Now, please excuse me, I have some work to finish up.

03/17/2023

Our next tip for getting your dog ready for a dog Walker is Car Manners!

Teaching your dog how to behave in the car is a HUGE help to any potential dog Walker. Car manners include-

🐾 waiting to be invited into the car

This one is the opposite of last week’s tip! It can come in super handy if a dog needs to be cleaned off first before getting in the car, if there are multiple dogs getting in at the same time, or if things need to be adjusted in the car first. It can be an exercise in patience for the dog, especially if they LOVE car rides.

🐾 jumping up into the car themselves (or using steps if they are unable to jump)

Some dogs can’t physically jump up for a variety of reasons (hip problems, size, etc) so if that’s the case, please let your Walker know! They likely have some tips and tricks to help your dog get into the car safely.

But some dogs just want to be lifted in. As a Walker that can interact with 10+ dogs per day, having to lift 40/50/60+ lbs of dog over and over can really do a number on my back! Please work with your dog and help them help
us!!!

🐾 staying in the backseat and not trying to jump into the front seat

This is straight up safety. Having a dog crawl from the backseat into the front, WHILE YOU’RE DRIVING, is not safe!!! Even small dogs are a distraction. And no- your dog can’t sit in my lap while I’m driving, even if that’s how they love to travel with you!! 😂😂 (only one person ever asked me for that and no, they aren’t a client !)

🐾 sitting or laying down in the car and not running back and forth window to window

Again, safety!! Having a dog that will throw itself against windows to bark at people or other animals is hugely distracting, distressing and very unsafe! Teach your dog to be calm in the car and everyone will enjoy car rides so much more!

🐾 accepting a restraint in the car and not fighting it

As scary as it is to think about, if you are in a car accident with your unsecured dog in the car, they become a flying projectile. I recently lost a client’s dog because it was paralyzed in a car accident and had to be put down. There are lots of options- seat belt clips, harnesses, crates, etc, that can help keep your dog safe and secure.

I am happy to report that all of my client’s dogs are wonderful at all of these points. I’ve worked with some to help make it better (the mallies in the picture are a perfect example- our first car ride was an adventure that included the backs of my ears being throughly licked and cleaned as I drove 😂😂 And now they are perfectly behaved!) but they are all so happy to come with me, it’s a joy to have them along for the ride!

As always, be sure to tell your dog Walker if there are issues like limited mobility, car sickness, car reactivity etc. we are always happy to help you work on things! It’s why we do what we do! ❤️❤️

03/16/2023

Now THAT’S a Stand In Motion!!!! 😂😂😂

03/14/2023

Vino and Oakley had a nice walk together today, then enjoyed some playtime. I think they’ve decided to be friends. 😊❤️

03/10/2023

A notice to dog owners!

If you are thinking of hiring a dog Walker, there are lots of things that you can do to help smooth that transition and help the dog Walker have the best experience possible with your dog. Over the next several weeks, I plan to highlight some of them and the reasons behind them. Some are obvious, others might not be.

First up- please teach your dog to WAIT when they are in the car.

These two injuries to my poor finger (yep it’s the same finger two weeks apart) were both caused by dogs that tried to rush past me and jump out of my car into traffic.

It’s one of the very first things I work on with client dogs if I am going to drive with them. I want every dog I am with- either my own or clients- to know that an open car door means absolutely nothing.
Nada.
Zip.

It isn’t an invitation to run like a lunatic, it doesn’t mean freedom, it’s just a door. I expect every dog to wait until I can grab their leash, unhook their seatbelt, or whatever. When and ONLY when I tell them that it’s ok to move are they allowed to jump out.

This is important for a lot of reasons:

🐶 Safety is probably #1. If I am in a parking lot and my dog instantly jumps out of the car the second I open the door, it’s a nice easy way to get your dog hit by a car.

🐶 It teaches patience and impulse control.

🐶 For dogs that struggle with thresholds (front door, crate, etc) it reinforces that training and its application EVERYWHERE

Help your dog master this and your dog Walker will love you for it!!

03/08/2023

Happy International Women’s Day to all the ladies out there doing hard things.

So many of my contacts, acquaintances and friends in the dog world are women. They are strong, resilient and so very smart. They work quietly (sometimes 🤪) often in the background, doing so many of the tough jobs that no one else wants to do.

Many of them go home at the end of the day and raise their families- kids, dogs, friends, parents and more. There is often very little gratitude or recognition because what they do, they make it look easy. No one knows the effort and energy it takes to keep their smile on their face, the bounce in their step.

So, to all my friends covered in fur, drool, mud and fatigue, I see you. You are doing great things. I’m so very proud of you.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

03/05/2023

Let’s find Ronin a home! ❤️

⭐️ LONG TIME RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT: Ronin ⭐️

Ronin is one of our favourite “big boys” at the shelter. He’s been with us since September and has been patiently awaiting his forever home. He has been diagnosed with epilepsy, so his ideal adopters will need to commit to the additional cost of his meds (roughly $100 a month), ensuring that those meds are administered properly and annual check ups with the vet.

⭐️ A generous community member has sponsored Ronin’s adoption fee! We are so appreciative. ⭐️

Ronin is a year and a half old. He knows his basic obedience but will require further training to work on his manners and also to create a bond with his adopter. Patience and consistency will be the key to Ronin’s success. He is very food motivated and this will help with his training.

Ronin is looking for an active family, and one that is comfortable with large dogs. He’s strong but gentle, and loves to be with his humans! Until he’s fully trained, he will need to be left in his crate when left home alone so he doesn’t get into anything. He also needs a fully fenced yard.

He gets along with other dogs and has a wonderful temperament. He had been to a couple events and a few visits to REN'S PETS and been a perfect gentleman. He really enjoys snuggling against his favourite humans.

Ronin has been waiting a long time to go home, so please share this post with as many people as possible to help him get exposure.

For more information about Ronin, please click the link: https://adopt.adopets.com/pet/16dcfa93-6f18-45dd-ae9a-52c82e80047f?tracking=47d0b201-78ea-4bca-8e50-7a74b7f11593

03/03/2023

03/03/2023

A new place to stop for your furry friends!

03/02/2023

Big News from Anita’s Creature Comforts!

I will no longer be offering dog walking services effective March 31.

Believe me when I say, this is the hardest decision I have had to make in years. But ultimately it’s the right one.

Together, my clients and I weathered the pandemic, insane gas price fluctuations, winter weather, summer heat and more. And through it all, I strived to provide the best possible service to the lovely humans and incredible dogs I work with. And I hope that I did. 😊

But events in my personal life, along with new developments and opportunities in my professional life forced me to make a choice. There just aren’t enough hours in the day to balance three job plus a family and a personal life. Something had to give, and sadly, walking was the obvious choice.

I want to thank everyone that has supported me these past 5 years- either through referrals, sharing and liking my posts or coming to me for walks or training. I cannot express how much your support has meant to me. It won’t be forgotten.

So while this is a ”so long” to walking, I’ll still be around! I will be continuing and expanding my work at the LCHS as well as training with Celine's K9. Please reach out if you have need. ❤️

This is truly bittersweet. I will miss everyone so much.

Until then, however, there is work to do. I have dogs to walk. ❤️❤️

02/27/2023

This is Arkham.

Feel free to kneel before him.

P.S. I need a better camera in my phone, clearly. My partner took this and it’s amazing. ❤️

02/26/2023

A misconception that I think a lot of people have, when they are outside of the dog/pet industry looking in, is that, since you love dogs so much, you will instantly love every single dog you meet and every single dog will instantly recognize the good in you and love you back.

And as hard as Hollywood has tried to make it seem possible, the truth is- No. You won’t love every single dog instantly. Some, you won’t ever really love. A grudging respect maybe, but not love. Others might just take a while longer. You have to feel each other out before you are ready to commit to like, never mind love.

Molly was one of those. She was a cranky old lady, that liked to freak out!
A lot!
At everything!

She was a tiny, fierce, toothed and clawed creature that felt completely entitled to ruling the entire world, thank you very much. She was my daily walk- and I mean daily. 7 days a week, 830am. Thankfully, my amazing and gracious friend, Liv agreed to help and took Molly off my hands on weekends. I wouldn’t have lasted this long without them. ❤️

Molly and I, in the almost two years we spent together, developed an acquaintanceship, then grudging respect, and finally friendship.

We lost Molly quite suddenly and tragically the other day. And I’ve been pondering how to commemorate her since. I decided ultimately- truth. The old crank pot would have appreciated truth.

So here is my toast in memory of Molly, and all the dogs that don’t instantly inspire love. Here’s to the dogs that make people look twice, and the dogs that don’t need you and don’t particularly want you.
To the hard to love, and even harder to forget dogs.
We miss you. Rest well. ❤️❤️❤️

02/23/2023

Sorry people, but it’s a no go today!

After a couple of spills in the driveway, I decided the universe wants me to stay home today! 🥶🥶 all impacted clients have been contacted.

My current plan is full steam ahead tomorrow! Stay safe and warm everyone!

02/05/2023

Eddie and Rosie! Thanks for sharing the coldest day of the year with me!

02/03/2023

I follow this lady and her grooming and greatly enjoy her expertise and experiences.

This video however I had to share. So often, we get training clients that think their little dog being “spicy” is funny or cute.

It’s not.

Watching this video makes me sad. It makes me sad for the groomer that has to try and get her job done while this dog is actively fighting against her. It makes me sad for the owners who clearly are lost and don’t know what to do.

But mostly it makes me sad for the dog. This is no way to live. His mind and body have to deal with this level of stress and anxiety EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.

It’s not cute.
It’s not funny.

Please, do better by your dogs. Socialize them. Desensitize them. Train them.

02/02/2023

Baby, it’s cold outside!!!

Tomorrow’s forecast is calling for cold, with a windchill of WTF!!!! 😜

With that in mind, we at ACC will be making the following adjustments :

🐾 we will shift as many of our 1 hour walks to 30 minutes as possible to minimize time outside

🐾 we will stick to 10/15 minute shifts outside with breaks in the car or house to warm up

🐾 we will walk in indoor locations like PetSmart and Bass Pro as much as possible

🐾 last minute cancellations are just fine! If you decide your dog doesn’t need a walk tomorrow, just let me know!

Stay warm everyone!

02/02/2023

So I need to take a moment and talk about my boots.

In 1993, I went off to college in Lindsay ON to get my diploma in Fish and Wildlife Technology. Even though it’s only 4 hours or so from Niagara Falls, winters there were different. I had never had my nose hairs and eyebrows freeze. It would be -35 with windchill. That first winter, I used my OSAP and bought a good pair of boots, Sorels.

THESE Sorels.
This exact pair.

I have had these boots for 30 years. I’ve changed the laces about every other year, but these things are still going. My feet are warm, dry and my orthotics fit into them, so I’m comfy too. This is no paid ad, I just really love them and want to say thank you, for keeping my feet safe for 30 years. Here’s to 30 more!!

01/27/2023

Elroy and C**t! ❤️❄️❤️❄️

01/26/2023

So, you wanna be a dog walker, huh??

This was 20 minutes into an hour long walk and was my 7th walk of the day!

01/19/2023

Please!! Make sure that your ball-drive dogs are playing with ones that are sized appropriately!

If the ball fits easily into your dog’s mouth, it’s too small!!! The right size is one they can carry easily but can’t slip Into its mouth!

01/18/2023

I love my afternoon strolls with Miss Penny.

01/16/2023

Mornings with Molly.

01/16/2023

I recently saw a post, advertising learning how to pack walk via webinar.

That sent chills up my spine. And that was BEFORE I heard about the attack in the UK.

I know! The pictures of multiple dogs, all lined up beautifully, draws attention and clients. Everyone loves the idea of having their dog walking respectfully as part of the pack. It’s a great daydream.

But for that to happen, a LOT of things need to fall into place- the right dogs, the right humans, the right tools, the right energy.

Please, be careful, be smart, and don’t bite off more than you can chew, just for Instagram likes. ❤️❤️

Dog Walkers - 10 helpful tips to avoid incidents like the recent tragedy where a dog walker sadly lost her life trying to stop a dog attack or fight.

Thankfully what happened last week was a rare event.
However, it was absolutely tragic, horrific and thoughts are with the poor families involved.

Several years ago one of our own instructors before joining Canine Ambassador experienced a very similar attack as a dog walker.
She almost lost her life and her arm in a dog attack.

Although severe attacks are uncommon, I do speak to lots of dog walkers that have been bitten or need advice on pack dynamics.

Apart from the obvious - Don't walk too many dogs at once , which everyone is focusing on right now.
There is more you can do to stay safe.

Below I have listed some tips for commercial dog walkers that hopefully might help prevent another serious injury or tragedy.

1. Carry on your person at all times a bite back or pet corrector spray.

2.Break sticks are ridiculously classed by law as dog fighting paraphernalia but it could save the life of a dog or yourself.

3. If a Strong voice doesn't prevent a situation from escalating then there is no point in screaming and shouting at fighting dogs. That will only add to stress and frenzy of the situation. Keep calm!

4.Never throw yourself on top of a dog or fight this will only make the fight worse, put you at a serious disadvantage and in harm's way.

5.Stay upright at all times and if you fall then priority must be to stand back up asap.

6.Make sure all your dogs are wearing collars not just harnesses. If a large powerful dog were to attack you then grabbing a harness will do nothing to help you.

7.Consider using a dominant dog collar, grots on powerful breeds. Applying vertical pressure to one of these for 5-10 seconds is the most successful way to get a dog to release it's grip.

8.A leash in your hand can be used in various ways for example- * folded over it can be used to push into the mouth of an attacking dog giving it something else to bite or latch on to. Or a simple noose.

9.Do not make excuses for small dogs. Often small dogs will lead larger more powerful dogs into situations by leading the charge or being the first aggressor.

10.Keep all dogs calm. Don't let them run wild, practice play fighting and chasing. It becomes a habit, increases tension between dogs and it's much harder to control a dog when adrenaline his flowing.

01/08/2023

Zombie is a bit nervous (but excited!!!) to share the news!!

But we have a new adventure to share here at Anita’s Creature Comforts!!

Beginning in 2023, I will now be unavailable for walks on Tuesdays because…..(drumroll please!) I will be working in conjunction with my training partner Celine's K9 as a behavioural tester at the LCHS to help assess strays and abandoned animals and hopefully assist them in finding their perfect forever homes.

It’s a tough job, but I am really looking forward to working with some amazing people and animals.

So, beginning January 2, I will have reduced availability for walking but I will continue to work with my clients to make sure that all our furry friends are taken care of. I will still be spending evenings and weekends training with the incomparable Celine’s K9. And then of course squeezing things like kids, spouse, family and friends in there somewhere. 😊😊

thank you to you all for your continued support ❤️

I hope everyone is having an incredible start to 2023!!

12/23/2022

Happy Holidays from Anita’s Creature Comforts!!

We are closed for the next week to spend time with our own pack, to rest and recuperate and prepare for the new year! We will be back to walks as of January 2!

Thank you to my amazing clients for all of the treats, gifts, tips and best wishes! Thank you for sharing your dogs with me and trusting me
to care for them like they are my own. ❤️❤️

My best wishes to all of you, for health, happiness and good tidings now and in the new year. 🎄❄️🎅🏻

Enjoy my friends Vino, Bronx and Sol modelling their new Christmas bandannas!!